Beaches in St Ives and beyond

Whether you’re stretching out on golden sands in midsummer or blowing away the cobwebs on New Years’ Day, the stunningly beautiful beaches of St Ives are a joy at any time of year.

With some of the cleanest, clearest waters in Europe, acclaimed beach cafes and restaurants, and perfect conditions for sandcastle building, snorkelling, paddling, swimming and surfing, what are you waiting for?

(Keep an eye out to sea – if you’re lucky you might spot a visiting seal or dolphin; they love our clean waters, too).

Porthmeor
Porthmeor is one of St Ives best known beaches, and when you stay at The Sail Lofts, this stunning expanse of pale golden sand is right on your doorstep. Porthmeor Café is ideal for sipping a glass of wine as the sun goes down, and serves great tapas.

Very popular with local and visiting surfers it offers some of the hollowest waves in West Cornwall and has a surf school on the beach and lifeguards during the peak season.

Porthgwidden
With uninterrupted views across St Ives Bay to Godrevy Lighthouse, this sheltered, sandy cove is ideal for families with young children. Head over to the Porthgwidden Café for breakfast, lunch or dinner overlooking the bay. Being so close to The Sail Lofts it is a popular destination for guests, especially for a breakfast in the morning sun.

Porthminster
Half a mile of powder-fine sand and calm, sheltered waters make Porthminster a great beach for families, ideal for paddling, swimming and snorkelling. Porthminster Café is renowned for its great service and excellent food.

Carbis Bay
A mile or so east along the coast from St Ives, Carbis Bay offers another spectacular stretch of sand, with calm, sheltered waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling, and catching the odd crab!

Gwithian and Godrevy
Just east of Carbis Bay, the sandy beaches of Gwithian and Godrevy (connected to each other at low tide) offer great surfing conditions and are good for families too, with café, shops and car parks nearby.